A company called Baden Sports has released a new style of bat that ditches the traditional knob end. The handle is similar to that of an axe and it forces players to hold and swing it differently than a traditional ash bat. The design has received provisional approval from Major League Baseball but it does not have “full approval” which would allow players to use the bats in regular season games.
Baden Sports is traditionally a manufacturer of sports balls but they’ve come up with a new bat design. The axe handle grip is supposed to feel “more natural” by making it easier for hitters to keep their swings level and avoid rolling their wrists. This also forces the hitter to make contact with the ball on the “face grain” which makes the bat less susceptible to shattering. Shattering had been an issue with maple bats in the past and some observers though it would lead to them being banned in the next few years.
Initial reactions to the new style of grip have been positive. Mariners infielder Jack Hannahan said it was a “great concept” and said the bat was “good wood, it’s nice, hard wood.” Ryan Garko added that the bat felt “more comfortable in your bottom hand.” Currently, only the Mariners and Padres are trying out the bats.
